Giving Back May 3, 2024

The Importance of Community for Older Adults: Enhancing Well-being and Quality of Life

As we age, maintaining social connections and a sense of belonging becomes increasingly important for our overall well-being.  As we plan for retirement, let’s not forget to prioritize activities and relationships that bring joy and meaning to our lives. Investing in hobbies and social connections can contribute to a fulfilling and happy retirement journey.

I’ve always enjoyed the company of older people; like my grandma Stella DiMaggio, Nana Rose Bonanno, my mother-in-law, Carolyn Betta, my Mom, and her hair salon customers, and friends. I love their confidence, experience and wisdom that comes with age. And today I enjoy wonderful relationships with 75 plus year olds. They certainly do not seem their age— not physically at least, but they do encompass the wonderful traits noted above that truly, only comes with living a full life.

As we age, maintaining social connections and a sense of belonging becomes increasingly important for our overall well-being. In this blog post ( and, in my book, Beauty At Any Age, Because Age Is Just An Attitude ) I share how the significance of community for older adults can enhance their quality of life. I also highlight the benefits of social engagement, the impact of isolation, and practical ways to foster a strong sense of community among older adults.

1. Social Engagement: A Key Ingredient for Well-Being:

Social interaction plays a vital role in promoting physical, mental, and emotional health for individuals of all ages. For older adults, staying socially engaged is particularly crucial as it can help combat loneliness, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function. Engaging in meaningful conversations, participating in group activities, and sharing experiences with others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

2. Impact of Isolation and Loneliness:

Unfortunately, many older adults face the risk of isolation and loneliness as they age. Factors such as retirement, loss of loved ones, and physical limitations can contribute to a sense of social disconnection. Prolonged isolation can have detrimental effects on an individual’s mental and physical health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even mortality. It is essential to address these issues by cultivating supportive and inclusive communities for older adults.

3. Benefits of Community for Older Adults:

a. Emotional Support: Being part of a community allows older adults to form meaningful relationships and find emotional support. Having a network of friends and acquaintances with whom they can share their joys and concerns can significantly improve their mental well-being.

b. Physical Health: Communities often provide opportunities for older adults to engage in physical activities, such as exercise classes or walking groups. Regular physical activity promotes cardiovascular health, improves mobility, and reduces the risk of chronic conditions.

c. Lifelong Learning: Community-based programs and educational activities offer older adults the chance to continue learning and exploring new interests. This not only stimulates their minds but also contributes to a sense of purpose and personal growth.

d. Sense of Belonging: Feeling connected to a community fosters a sense of belonging, which is essential for one’s self-esteem and overall happiness. Being part of a community allows older adults to contribute their skills, knowledge, and experiences, instilling a sense of value and purpose.

4. Practical Ways to Foster Community for Older Adults:

a. Senior Centers and Retirement Communities: These establishments provide a platform for older adults to connect with peers, engage in recreational activities, and access various support services.

b. Volunteer Opportunities: Encouraging older adults to participate in volunteer work not only benefits the community but also provides a sense of purpose and social connection.

c. Intergenerational Programs: Facilitating interactions between older adults and younger generations creates a sense of mutual understanding, promotes learning, and fosters meaningful relationships. – When our daughter, Bianca, was attending Piedmont High School, she was a member of NCL. The National Charity League is a volunteer organization where mothers and daughters engage in volunteer activities from spending time with the elderly to packing lunches for the homeless, as an example.

d. Online Communities: Utilizing technology platforms can help older adults connect with others who share similar interests, regardless of physical location.

It is certain, community plays a vital role in the well-being and quality of life for older adults. By fostering social engagement, addressing isolation, and providing opportunities for connection, we can create supportive environments that enhance the lives of older adults. It is crucial for individuals, families, and communities to recognize the importance of community and take proactive steps to ensure older adults remain connected, valued, and engaged. Let us work together to build inclusive communities that promote the well-being of older adults and celebrate the wisdom and experiences they bring to our society.

Remember, a strong community is built on compassion, understanding, and respect for one another.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Consider scheduling lunch with an older friend, client, family member or acquaintance. It’ll make their day and surely enhance yours.

Here’s a photo of Velma and I, my 80+ year old friend.

My friend Velma and I out on a walk.

 

If you are seeking assisted living options in California, please see the link below. Caring.com also provides options throughout the United States.

Should you wish a list or other possibilities, or discuss a few that we have visited with our clients, please ask. Debbi 510.414.6777 | Debbi.DiMaggio@corcoranicon.com | Contact The DiMaggio Betta Group 

DiMaggio Betta GroupIn The News November 6, 2022

Season Of Giving

During the year our passionate agents give to various causes and organizations.

Take a look at the very detailed list below.

And with the holiday season upon us we are launching and supporting the following:

On Thanksgiving morning join us for the 21st Annual Piedmont Turkey Trot. The run/walk begins at 8:30AM, but come early for cocoa, coffee and other treats. Open to anyone from anywhere and of all ages. Strollers and Dogs Welcome! Register Here

people running a race

Move your feet before you eat.

Corcoran Global Living, Piedmont and Montclair, previously Highland Partners, has been supporting the Alameda Food Bank and Toy Drive since its inception in 2009. Please join us in raising funds for these two wonderful causes. Alameda Food Bank Click To Donate - Toys for Tots Click Here

packing food a the alameda food bank

Season Of Giving. Join Us and Together We Will Support the Alameda County Food Drive for Families In Need

 

toys for tots annual food drive

Join Us to Support Our Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive - Click To Donate to our Virtual Toy Drive

 

Proud to Support, Year after Year.

Our agents and our staff proudly support these organization: ● Alameda County Community Food Bank ● Alzheimer’s Foundation of America ● American Cancer Society ● American Lung Association ● American Red Cross ● American Red Cross ● Alameda County Blood Bank ● Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators ● Arthritis Foundation Bay Oaks / East Bay ● United Soccer Club ● Beach Elementary School ● Berkeley Public Library Foundation ● Berkeley Rotary Club ● Better Homes and Gardens Mason McDuffie Education Foundation ● Better Homes and Gardens Mason McDuffie Giving Day ● Bishop O’Dowd High School ● Boy Scouts of America ● Boys and Girls Club of Oakland ● Boys and Girls Clubs of America ● Boys’ & Girls’ Towns of Italy ● California Jazz Conservatory ● California Public Interest Research Group ● Cancer League ● Carolina Covenant ● Catherine’s House Catholic Charities ● Chabot Elementary School ● Childhood Leukemia Foundation ● Children’s Support League ● Clausen House ● Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation ● Defenders of Wildlife ● Desert Aids Project ● Dimond Improvement Association E● arthjustice ● East Bay Agency for Children ● East Bay College Fund ● East Bay Network ● East Bay Regional Park District ● East Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ● East Bay United Soccer ● Environmental Defense Fund ● First Tee of the East Bay ● Food for Thought ● Friends of the Berkeley Public Library ● Furever Animal Rescue ● Game Theory Academy ● George Mark Children’s House ● Give Back Homes ● Goodwill Industries ● Habitat for Humanity ● Head Royce Parent Association ● Heifer International ● Hillcrest Elementary School ● Hillcrest Elementary School PTA ● Hopalong & Second Chance Animal Rescue ● Huntington Disease Society of America ● Indians.org ● International Association of Gay Square Dancing Clubs ● Island Cat Resources and Adoption ● John Muir Elementary School ● KPIX Radio ● La Clinica de la Raza ● Lincoln Child Center ● Maddie’s Fund ● Michael’s House Treatment Centers ● Milo Foundation Montclair Elementary School ● Montclair Elementary School PTA ● Montclair Park Oakland CA ● National Audubon Society ● Natural Resources Defense Council ● No Kid Hungry ● Oakland Asian Cultural Center ● Oakland Ballet Company ● Oakland Berkeley Association of Realtors Community Funds ● Oakland Heritage Alliance ● Oakland Museum Women’s Board White Elephant Sale ● Oakland Symphony ● Oakland Technical High School ● Oakland Town Ball ● One Warm Coat ● Oral Lee Foundation ● Orphan Support League ● Piedmont Baseball Foundation ● Piedmont Beautification Foundation ● Piedmont Education Foundation ● Piedmont Harvest Festival ● Piedmont High School ● Piedmont High School Boosters Club ● Piedmont High School Yearbook ● Piedmont Highlanders Football ● Piedmont Highlanders Lacrosse ● Piedmont Middle School ● Piedmont Middle School Boosters Club ● Piedmont Neighbors and Newcomers Club ● Piedmont Recreation Department ● Piedmont Softball Foundation ● Piedmont Turkey Trot ● Presentation High School Salvation Army ● San Francisco Symphony ● Sea Ranch Association ● Sea Ranch Chapel Foundation ● Sierra Club ● Skyline Lacrosse Club ● Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ● Society of St. Vincent De Paul ● Sokka Gakki International ● St Jarlath Catholic School ● St. David’s Food Bank ● St. Theresa School ● Susan B Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer ● Swiss Benevolent Society ● Toys for Tots Foundation ● UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland ● UCSF Medical Center ● University of California College of Engineering ● University of North Carolina ● University San Francisco Alumni Association ● Wellness Center Piedmont Unified School District ● West Coast Dog Rescue ● West Edge Opera ● West Point Inn Association ● Wounded Warriors Project ● WriterCoach Connection Since our founding in 2009, we have built civic engagement into the communities we serve. We take pride in that all of our agents are involved in at least one charitable cause. Each year our agents volunteer or contribute to a local community organization. This involvement strengthens our relationships within the community and provides an awareness of the area which builds our community and enhances each agent. In turn, our representatives are excellent, knowledgeable resources for clients looking to buy or sell property.